Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs, features: Device to remove headphone jack in favor of USB-C? Tweak will lead to unique upgrades on flagship

The Samsung Galaxy S7 and the S7 EdgeReuters/Albert Gea

Even though some users are not big fans of the Apple iPhone 7 due to the absence of the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, the company's rival Samsung is expected to follow their route for the Samsung Galaxy S8.

Digital Music News first reported on this bold move, albeit the company is eliminating the headphone jack with a completely different approach. According to sources cited by the news outlet, the company is looking to develop a proprietary jack for Samsung Galaxy S8, one that they will block Apple from licensing.

There's no word on the design Samsung is looking into, but the same sources suggest that they want it to be easily adaptable and low-cost so that the Android ecosystem could, in time, make use of it, too.

It was suggested that the Samsung Galaxy S8 may trade the 3.5mm headphone jack for a Type-C USB. This, as per Wccftech, will give the users the ability to juice up the device while still listening to music, something that is no longer possible in the iPhone 7.

The use of Type-C USB will also come with more exciting perks that prospective buyers of Samsung Galaxy S8 will enjoy, including a much thinner build and a much-improved battery life.

However, the use of Type-C USB for audio support is not unprecedented, seeing that the Moto Z and Moto Z Force already employ the said technology.

But, as suggested by Digital Music News, Samsung is hoping for a feature that Android devices and the Android operating system itself will eventually adapt as well.

The removal of the headphone jack is not the only tweak expected for the Samsung Galaxy S8. Previous claims also suggested that the device will be the first device to boast Ultra HD or high definition display, which will churn out crisp 4K screen resolution.

Samsung Galaxy S8 is said to be set for launch early next year, presumably at the Mobile World Congress or MWC. Samsung has not released official statements about the flagship yet, so fans are advised to take this report with a grain of salt.